Guide to the best seats at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona

If you’re looking for some inspiration on where to sit at the Circuit de Catalunya, then you’ve come to the right place! We’ve created the guide below to be as helpful as possible in advising you to pick a place to watch the next Spanish Grand Prix from. We’ve taken into account the best place for overtaking, likely place for spins and crashes, the best atmosphere and proximity to the facilities. It’s all covered and we’ve ranked it in order of our personal opinion.

General Admission Tickets

The general admission at Catalunya is really good, compared to other circuits around the world. There are plenty of places around the track to choose from with a general admission ticket. Click here to read more.

Special Offer

We have a special offer for Gold Suite Hospitality in the Main Grandstand for Saturday 13th May 2017 including full open bar, Tapas, parking area behind the main grandstand .

This is for Qualifying only and as you all know the ONLY way to enjoy a beer or glass of wine at the circuit as all public areas do not offer alcohol at all!

#1 Start/finish straight

Main grandstand

Always one of the most popular places to watch the race from, the start/finish straight is very exciting and where a lot of the action happens. As well as the pre-race build up and post-race podium ceremony, spectators watching from here can expect a lot of drama from the start of the race and of course the chequered flag finish. There is plenty going on at this section of the race, so the main grandstand overlooking it is often first to sell out. Spectators will also have a good view of the pit lane exit from here. There is a TV screen to watch the rest of the race and this is also a covered grandstand, so will be a great place to watch the race from regardless of the weather.

Start/FInish Zone 9

Zone 2

Zone 1

Podium/Pit Entrance

#2 Europcar

Grandstands B, C, G, H

In the ‘Stadium’ section of the circuit, Europcar is a very fast corner – drivers will be doing speeds of around 240km/h through this right-hand turn and then making their way on to the last corner of the circuit, New Holland. Grandstands C and H have the best view of this corner, but Europcar can also be seen from B and G. A TV screen can also be seen from these stands, so spectators won’t miss any race action.

#3 Elf

Grandstands E, F, J, K

Elf corner is the first corner of the circuit and follows a very long start/finish straight, which includes the pit straight. This corner is a very exciting one, particularly in the first lap. There is good potential for overtaking here as it is quite a slow right-hand turn and comes after a long straight. Cars can break from about 310km/h right down to 135km/h for Elf corner.

Grandstands E and F have the best views of Elf. Situated right on the corner, there are also TV screens so the spectators can follow the rest of the race.

Grandstands J and K also have good views of Elf corner, but are closer to the start/finish line and the pit lane action. TV screens are also visible from these grandstands.

Grandstand A has views of Elf corner as well as the pit straight and the Seat corner, making this a very popular stand for spectators.

#4 Renault

Grandstand A

Following on from the Elf chicane is the Renault corner. Visible from grandstand A, this is a popular place to watch the race from, because of its great all-round views. The main pit straight, both the right- and the left-hander sections of the Elf Corner and Seat Corner can all be seen from this stand.

#5 Banc de Sabadell

Grandstands B, G

Following La Caixa, this corner is a 120km/h right-hand turn in the ‘Stadium’ section of the circuit. This section of the track can be very interesting as there is such a short distance between the three corners of La Caixa, Banc de Sabadell and Europcar. There are plenty of grandstands to get close to this challenging part of the race. B and G are best for Banc de Sabadell, and also have a view of a TV screen.

#6 Seat

Grandstand L

This exciting left-hand turn is a 90km/h second gear corner and the slowest on the track. Following on from Repsol the cars have a short straight, where they can reach speeds of up to 240km/h. There is definitely an overtaking opportunity here. Grandstand L provides great views of this corner and because it is so high up offers spectacular views from the main straight right through to Wurth corner. There is also a TV screen to follow the rest of the race.

Before Seat – Repsol

Corner number 3 of the circuit is Repsol. Visible from grandstand L, this right-hand turn leads into the exciting Seat hairpin. General admission will also enjoy good views of this corner.

After Seat – Wurth

Wurth is a tight left-hand turn following on from the excitement of the Seat hairpin and then corner 5. This corner is visible from grandstand N – a popular and affordable choice by spectators.

#7 New Holland

Grandstand I

New Holland is the last corner of the circuit before the start/finish straight and comes just after the entrance to the pit lane. This corner is a very important corner, especially in the final lap. It is also very fast – drivers take this corner with speeds of around 225km/h. Expect a lot of dust as drivers take to the curb of this final corner, speeding up for the finish line. Grandstand I enjoys the best view of this final corner, as well as a TV screen to follow the rest of the action.

#8 Campsa

Grandstand N

Campsa is an important corner in the race. Drivers will be doing high speeds of about 195km/h for this right-hand turn. Success at this corner is critical – a lot of lap time is often gained or lost here. Grandstand N overlooks Campsa and is well priced for the views it has to offer. Spectators watching from this stand can see the cars from Wurth corner all the way past Campsa and as they make their way towards the La Caixa hairpin. There is also a TV screen to watch the rest of the race.

After Campsa – La Caixa

This left-hand turn hairpin follows a long straight after the Campsa corner. It is a tight corner and drivers have to slow right down after the straight before it. La Caixa leads into the ‘Stadium’ part of the circuit – that is the Banc de Sabadell and Europcar corners. La Caixa can be seen from grandstands B and G.

Spanish F1 Grand Prix Hospitality

Looking for something a little different? Check out our guide on the Pit Lane Suites and VIP Hospitality at the Barcelona circuit.

Comments(83)

Pamela says

January 7, 2015 at 12:44 pm

Hello
Please do you have advice on the VIP Silver package and the view this has. Is it worth the money do you know? Would you agree the best place is the Grandstand (High or Low) or is anywhere you sit great due to the atmosphere? Totally out of my depth here but want to book a surprise 40th for my partner so advice welcome.

Simon says

January 8, 2015 at 12:42 pm

Hi Pamela

The I Grandstand has an excellent view of the last corner and the pit lane entrance and pit straight. There’s a very good review on BookF1 from a customer who also treated their partner to the Silver Package at the Spanish Grand Prix. Click here to visit the site and click the magnify glass next to Stand I (4th one down) and select the reviews tab to read more.

scott marshall says

June 13, 2016 at 1:24 pm

Sorry Pamela, I’m tagging onto your thread as I’m not sure how to start a new one.

Simon, Ive noticed that spectators are allow to walk onto the start-finish line post race to watch the podium presentation. Who would be entitled to do that, in terms of grandstand ticket holders only are general public aswell?

Simon Purnell says

Hamish says

March 6, 2015 at 8:45 am

We are travelling to Barcelona for the F1 GP this year and are thinking of getting GA tickets. By all reports these are value for money. One question: I am concerned about the drink and food prices inside the circuit, and I’ve read that in recent years that the authorities have been confiscating beer in plastic bottles at the gates. Is this really true? What is the current circuit policy?

Simon Purnell says

March 6, 2015 at 11:05 am

Hi Hamish

The GA tickets at Barcelona are excellent. I’ve just returned from F1 Testing and I think the GA tickets offer some of the best views of the circuit. They did check your bags on entry, but we didn’t have any beer so I don’t know if it would have been confiscated, I guess it’s not uncommon for drink to be taken confiscated these days. Beer in the circuit was 6 Euros but I’m not sure if that will go up for the main event!

Lesley says

March 15, 2017 at 11:50 pm

We’ve just got back from testing & the beer was alcohol free. Food & drink was reasonable I thought. If not a bit pricey. But not that much more. There are no metal items allowed inside the circuit whatsoever. We were told no alcohol could be taken in at all!!!!!

James Wilson says

April 6, 2015 at 8:40 am

Hi SK – I’ll jump in here!

The zones you refer to mean you are further round the ‘G’ grandstand and will have a better view of the cars dropping down the hill into the final chicane (from 18-24). Zones 1-17 won’t be able to see that far down and therefore are cheaper. See the map at the top of here: https://www.bookf1.com/f1-spain/tickets.htm?afid=7&custom=comments

Dennis says

April 25, 2015 at 9:50 pm

Hi I understand them confiscating beer at entrance. But I’ve heard you can only get soft drinks and alcohol free beer inside . Is this correct? Is there any evening entertainment for campers? Cheers Dennis

Simon Purnell says

lesley says

May 10, 2015 at 5:51 pm

This may be an odd request but I’m wanting to go to the Spanish grand prix next year but I want to take my mother. She’s quite spritely though elderly. Would you recommend any particular grandstand which wouldn’t have too many stair?

Simon Purnell says

Pekka says

May 10, 2015 at 6:08 pm

Wine with alcohol in a plastic bottle and other picnic equipment went through a security check fine. Waiting line for sagales busses was about 35 minutes after a track walk. Sagales bus was a more pleasant expirience than the regional train to montmelo.

John says

Rene Dowling says

May 16, 2015 at 6:02 am

I was watching f1 this year and i think stand f is the best stand to be in europe you see a lot of wheel to wheel action especially in gp2, gp3 and porsche supercup. It’s a bit pricey though but still worth the money, really recommend it and for sure will be going in 2016 obviously stand F

Maria says

October 14, 2015 at 3:08 pm

Hi,
I will be travelling next year to Barcelona for the F1 GP, and will buy tickets for the Main grandstand low. Could you please advise which zone will be better to sit? what zone is located in front of the podium?
Thanks!!

Josh S says

Simon Purnell says

Rachel says

December 1, 2015 at 12:35 pm

I am buying GP tickets for my husband. Is it more exciting to sit overlooking the finishing straight or to sit in the north area? Is C stand as good a view as H? Also, as we won’t arrive in Barcelona until friday night and want to see a bit of Barcelona as well watch the GP, is it work buying a 3 day ticket?. Is the qualifying as exciting to watch as race day itself. I am not a fan of motor racing myself but my husband is. How much of the Saturday would qualifying take up including travel to and from the centre? Thanks

Simon Purnell says

December 9, 2015 at 12:50 pm

Hi Rachel, The choice on where to sit is a lot down to personal choice. The finishing straight not only gives you a good view of the start and finish but you’ll also have a good view of the pits. I think H offers a better view than C but both are good spots. I’m sure he won’t be disappointed either way! Have you tried Boof1.com, they have a sale on until end of February. I think it’s worth going to qualifying not only for the excitement but it’s also good to get your bearings for the race day. Qualifying will finish early afternoon so you’ll still have the late afternoon to spend in Barcelona. Hope that helps!

Paul Reardon says

Simon Purnell says

January 15, 2016 at 3:44 pm

Hi Paul, What’s your budget? I would recommend checking out the end of the main straight, turn 5 and turn 10. Price for the Spanish GP are very reasonable compared to some of the other European races. The general admission area is also very good with some excellent grass banking.

Simon Purnell says

Peter Howes says

March 27, 2016 at 4:33 pm

My two sons are treating me to The Spanish GP. We have general admission tickets and will arrive by public bus/coach. We need to find a suitable place to sit on a grassy bank without having to go too far from where we will be dropped off by bus. Sounds like a plea for basic help but I am 73 and cannot walk far because of back problems. Any basic advice would be much appreciated.

Simon Purnell says

April 5, 2016 at 5:18 pm

Hi Peter, There’s plenty of grass banks between corners 6 to 9 of circuit de catalunya. which isn’t far from the gate 7 https://goo.gl/g4Hn2i. Take a look on Goole Maps. The following is a view of the bank thanks to Google street view https://goo.gl/GeBmlP. I hope this helps but get back to me if you need any further help. And have a great time!

Peter Howes says

Naeem says

March 31, 2016 at 10:14 pm

Hi there, you’ve commented on how good the general admission tickets can be; what time do you have to arrive on race day to grab a reasonable view?
Within the grass banks, what are the best viewing areas?

Simon Purnell says

April 5, 2016 at 5:10 pm

Hi Naeem, You need to arrive early, very early people start queuing well before the gates open to get a good spot. I always recommend Vale from my personal experience. But there’s plenty of great spots. I’d recommend going Saturday too, so you get chance to check out some of the best spots.

Simon Purnell says

Ed says

Brian Kelly says

April 30, 2016 at 9:14 am

Hi… we have GA tickets for this year and was wondering if i can enter the pit walk on the Thursday and if so…what does this involve. I think i read somewhere that some drivers/ cars may be around on the day for autographs etc?

Simon Purnell says

May 6, 2016 at 8:52 am

Hi Brian, A free pit walk will take place on Thursday 12th May between 4pm and 7pm for three-day and Sunday ticket holders. I hope you have a good trip, please keep in touch over the weekend with out twitter account https://twitter.com/enterF1.

Rebecca says

May 1, 2016 at 8:51 am

hey,travelling pretty far to barcelona to watch the race on sunday, have looked online but still cant decide exactly where i should book seats. I dont want to haveto go in super early gor GA and then sit on the grass, although i have done so many times at other circuits but i dont knoe much about this one. My budget would be about €300.

Simon Purnell says

May 6, 2016 at 8:50 am

Hi Rebecca, Tickets for the Spanish Grand Prix are such good value, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed what ever you decide on. I’d recommend checking out H, L, A or N if you’re looking for something a little cheaper. Check out BookF1.com for more details. I hope you have a good trip and please keep in contact we’d love to hear from you during the race, our twitter account is https://twitter.com/enterF1.

Becky says

May 4, 2016 at 4:29 pm

Hi,
We have seats in grandstand A for the whole weekend but were wondering if Barcelona is a circuit where you can run onto the track after the race? If so, are we in a good spot to get to the podium for the presentations?
Thanks!

Simon Purnell says

May 6, 2016 at 8:44 am

Hi Becky, I’m not sure they can stop people from entering the circuit now. But your Grandstand is at the end of the start/finish line at the first complex of seats. It looks quiet away from the podium. You’ve chosen a great spot to enjoy the weekend. If you get chance to send us some pictures or can even do a review we’d love to hear from you. Our twitter account is https://twitter.com/enterF1.
Have a great trip!

Peter Howes says

May 6, 2016 at 11:34 am

Simon, you kindly gave me some advice about where to head for in GA with the minimum of walking (being 73 with a dodgy back-although accompanied by my two strapping sons). It was to head for corner 9 which means we can also head down to Corners 5-8 still in the GA area. However you also advised using Gate 7 and despite deep research I cannot find out where gate 7 is especially in relation to the main entrance where presumably the Bus/Coach will drop us off?
Sorry to be a pain but it would be nice to plan etc.

Dan says

Simon Purnell says

May 10, 2016 at 8:34 am

Hi Dan,

This is the official information from the circuit..

Alcoholic beverages
The sale of and access to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with alcoholic beverages is forbidden. Soft-drinks and alcohol-free beer will be available for sale at the different sales points inside the facilities.

In order to access Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with beverages, please be reminded that following the regulations of Royal Decree 203/2010 from 26 February, the containers must be made of plastic, laminated paper or similar material and in no case may be heavier than 500 grams in weight or 500 millilitres in volume. The security and control staff at the access gates reserves the right to take off the caps and covers of the containers. Containers made of metal, glass, ceramics, wood or any other similar material cannot be taken into the facilities.

Shaun says

December 13, 2016 at 2:22 pm

Hi Simon. Thank you for the wonderful advice I have seen scrolling through the comments. I am looking to bring my 8 year old son to the Barcelona Grand Prix in May 2017. He is F1 obsessed. Me…less so. Ha ha.

However I want to provide a great experience but the ticketing etc is very confusing for me. (I realise I am the issue not the tickets)

Am I right in saying that I can have a General Admission ticket for myself and my 8 year is free? Do I have to get him a ‘free’ ticket or is he just allowed in with me? I am thinking just for the race day as he can’t miss school so ill arrange my flights accordingly.

After the race are we allowed to walk on the track towards the podium for the ceremony or is that only for those around that area?

Also what public transport is there to and from the venue to say Barcelona City centre?

Simon Purnell says

December 13, 2016 at 5:01 pm

Hi Sean, I’m glad you found the site useful. The Spanish Grand Prix is a great choice with so many options to watch the race. Grandstand tickets for 6 or over or 50% of the Adult price. For General Admission entry children under 12 are FREE and don’t require a ticket. If you’re using the Book F1 site you need to click on ‘show child tickets’ in the right navigation.

There are coach services from Estacio del Nord, Ali Bei street, 80 in Barcelona and another service that starts from Lloret de Mar and runs along the coast before heading to the circuit. Or you can take a train to Montmelo Station where you can take a transfer coach to the circuit.

Simon Purnell says

bob says

February 19, 2017 at 5:31 pm

We have tickets for the 2017 Grand Prix, these state :-
Access – Area EST
Sector – Principal Alta Zona 9
Row F14
Anyone able to help with where I can find a reliable seating plan for what I believe is the Main Grandstand.

Simon Purnell says

Shaun says

May 5, 2017 at 9:37 am

Can you purchase beer from the F1 campsite but we are staying in Barcelona so will we be able to enter just with our F1 ticket. If not is there any bars close to the track to nip out and grab some lunch and a beer?

Simon Purnell says

May 9, 2017 at 2:38 pm

Hi Shaun, I’m not sure about the rules at the Campsite only that you’re not able to take alcohol into the circuit. There’s not much around the circuit although the local town has a bar at the train station, La Moreneta.

Vlad says

January 9, 2018 at 4:54 pm

Hi guys,
I`m coming this may for the race, my first f1 experience, i`m super excited. I was looking at the map and i`d choose something between stands G,J and K. i want to buy the tickets these days, and i am tempted to go for stand K ( thinking that the long straight is about to finish and overtakes might happen there ), but if you guys would recommend something else, i`m open to suggestions

Vladut Mitroi says

February 20, 2018 at 12:52 pm

Hi Simon, can you help me with this? i have to choose between grandstand K ( zone 9,closest zone to turn 1 ) and grandstand G (zone 18 ). I`m thinking G is better for a longer view of the f1 cars but the K stand would be more exciting with the long straight finishing and cars at 315 km/h

Simon Purnell says

February 21, 2018 at 10:43 am

Hi Viadut, I’d go for stand K due to the high speed and a chance of overtaking into the first corner. But I would say it’s down to personal choice. Stand G is a good spot and you will see the cars for a greater time.